Dispensing Optician Apprentice - Worthing, West Sussex

Are you an experienced Optical Assistant ready to take the next big step in your optical career? Join us as an Optical Assistant and we’ll support you to enrol onto the Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship, helping you become a fully qualified Dispensing Optician. This is an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn, developing the clinical skills, professional knowledge and confidence you need to progress in optics. Through workplace learning, hands‑on coaching and structured study time, you’ll grow into a safe, effective, patient focused practitioner all while being part of a friendly, supportive team.

The Worthing Specsavers store is a vibrant and well‑established practice located in the heart of the town centre, offering exceptional eye and hearing care supported by the latest clinical technology. With 9 fully equipped test rooms, the store is well‑designed to support high customer demand while ensuring a smooth, efficient experience for patients. The store also benefits from excellent public transport connections, with numerous local bus routes running directly into Worthing Town Centre. Worthing is also well‑served by a wide rail network, with Southern Rail operating frequent services across the region, making the store easily accessible from surrounding areas. For those travelling by car, there are several convenient parking options nearby, including car parks and on‑street parking, just a short walk from the store.

With a supportive leadership team and strong development opportunities, Worthing Specsavers provides an ideal environment for those looking to grow their career in optical or audiology services.

The Worthing Specsavers team is a large and well‑established group of over 55 experienced colleagues, reflecting the scale and capability of the store as a major local practice. Team members include fully qualified optometrists, dispensing opticians, audiology specialists, and a strong retail team, all working together to deliver high‑quality eye and hearing care. Customer feedback consistently highlights the team’s friendliness, professionalism, and supportive approach, noting their thorough eye examinations, clear communication, and attention to detail throughout the customer journey. The store’s leadership places strong emphasis on development, training, and maintaining a positive working environment, helping the team provide a welcoming, knowledgeable, and efficient service to the local community.

What’s on Offer: Alongside fantastic training and a clear career development pathway, you’ll also enjoy a great range of benefits, including:

• Salary up to £27,500 per annum
• Plus performance‑related bonus scheme worth around £3,000 per year, or more!
• Full Time (40 hours) and Part Time hours (min 30 hours) available, to include working a weekend day
• We will auto‑enroll you into the pension scheme with an employer contribution when you contribute too

To get started on the Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship, you’ll need:

• At least 3 years' experience working as an Optical Assistant
• 5 GCSEs (grade 4‑9 / AC) including Maths, English and Science
• An employment contract of 30+ hours per week
• To be a resident of England with the right to work/study here for the full duration of the programme (Please note: candidates with visas due to expire or requiring renewal during the apprenticeship unfortunately cannot enrol.)

If you’re motivated, eager to progress and passionate about patient care, this could be the perfect fit for you.

In addition to your current Optical Assistant responsibilities, you’ll receive structured training and continuous development to deepen your dispensing knowledge. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll build skills and confidence in: Professional Practice.